Prominent art lovers – government officials, businessmen and corporate officials, and members of Manila’s social set – recently gathered together to celebrate Gilded Graphite, the first solo exhibit of Conchitina Sevilla Bernardo at Frabelle Corporate Plaza.
The event not only highlighted Conchitina’s talent, but is a testimony how art indeed is for all ages, serving as an inspiration and a great motivator to those who want to develop their passion in arts later in life. Gilded Graphite, was not only a runaway success – all 36 paintings were sold-out- but brought brightness and joy to her beneficiaries, San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the elderly.
During the exhibit, Conchitina recalled how she never touched a paintbrush since her 30’s when her teacher discouraged her by telling her to look for another hobby. This all changed when she visited the Sunshine Place and met Maestro Fidel Sarmiento, who was teaching an art class.
She asked if he could teach her despite her age. He then “looked at me with a lot of wisdom in his eyes and he said every human being has an artist inside of him. It is just a question of bringing it out”. Encouraged by her professor’s word, Conchitina picked up her art brush again, and went on to complete 36 paintings in three years for the exhibit.
All paintings were sold out, and “the success of this exhibit is testimony that the senior years can be your most productive years, artistically and spiritually,” says Conchitina. When the side of you that was so physically alert fades. There is another side that awakens. Your creative instincts begin to surprise you, like it did to me”
She has come to realize that “in the quiet moments, in meditation, that in His infinite wisdom He continues to work through you. In my case, every painting is testimony to Him and to fatherly embrace I feel from Him daily. My cup over flows because I know I am loved”.
Among the 36 artworks exhibited are the Portraits which are dedicated to her loved ones. These include her daughter Lia and her animal spirit, granddaughter Nicole, and grandnieces Margaux and Luisa.
Proceeds from the exhibit will be for the benefit of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly, which has been managed since 2012 by the Little Sisters of the Poor. The mission of the congregation of French nuns in Manila is to give respect and dignity to the elderly.
Conchitina was recognized to as Top 50 non-representational category semi-finalist (out of 516 non-representational category entries from 1,128 total entries during the 2019 GSIS National Art Competition.
